Fires and trip to Denali from Fairbanks- alternate plans?

Question

Hi All,

We will be arriving in Fairbanks on 7/17 and were going to drive to DNP the following day. I've been reading news releases about closures and delays on road to the park due to the fires. Since we obviously won't know anything for certain in advance, I was going to try to make a plan B just in case we couldn't make it. Our overall trip is rather short, so I don't think we want to go an alternate route that will take 8-9 hours to get to DNP, so if that becomes our only option, we may just skip it this trip and try it again in the future.

We have 2 nights booked in an Airbnb in Healy for our park days. Following that, we have one night in Wasilla (helicopter/dog sledding one day and glacier hike the following), one night in Girdwood (to take the cruise out of Whittier), and two nights in Seward (hike Exit, maybe a wildlife cruise or kayak). Then we will return to ANC to fly home.

If we do have to cancel DNP, would you add the two nights at one of these stops we already have? Or is there another place you recommend somewhat adjacent to this general route? Hopefully we will be able to reasonably get to DNP and this won't be necessary, but I don't want to be scrambling and wasting precious vacation time finding an alternative, so I'd love to have the plan B ready just in case.

Thanks for any advice!

Answer

Given your short Alaskan itinerary and the uncertainty around access to Denali National Park (DNP) due to fires, it’s wise to have a Plan B ready. Since the drive from Fairbanks to Healy/Denali can be affected by closures, you have a few options if you can’t reach the park safely.

Option 1: Extend a stop you already have booked

Healy: If you can’t access the park, consider staying both nights in Healy anyway. You could use this time to explore the surrounding area, which includes hiking trails, rivers for kayaking, and small local attractions. While it won’t replace Denali’s scenery, it keeps you in the general region without a long detour.
Wasilla: You could add a night here and enjoy the helicopter/dog sled and glacier hike activities, which are unique Alaskan experiences and don’t require Denali access.
Girdwood/Seward: Adding nights here could give you more time for Exit Glacier hikes, wildlife cruises, or kayaking, making the southern portion of your trip more relaxed and immersive.

Option 2: Alternate nearby areas

Chena Hot Springs: Located about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, it’s an excellent Plan B. You can soak in hot springs, enjoy short hikes, and even do a river float or visit the Ice Museum. Staying here gives a relaxing Alaskan experience without the long drive to Denali.
Paxson/Delta Junction area: If you’re willing to explore slightly further east, there are scenic drives along the Richardson Highway with mountains, lakes, and small trails. This is more off-the-beaten-path and quiet, offering the “open-world” Alaska feel without being in a national park.
Matanuska Glacier region: While farther south, it could replace one of your southern stops if you want more glacier experiences without reaching Denali.

Tips for managing Plan B:

Monitor official updates on road and park closures from the National Park Service and Alaska DOT. Road conditions can change quickly in fire season.
Keep accommodations flexible if possible, or have Airbnb or lodge options reserved but cancellable, so you can pivot quickly if Denali becomes inaccessible.
Focus on activities that are less weather/fire-dependent, like glaciers, short hikes, wildlife viewing near Seward, and helicopter/dog sled tours in Wasilla.

Overall, the simplest approach is to either extend a night at Healy or Wasilla, depending on your interest, or opt for a nearby area like Chena Hot Springs. This keeps driving manageable and ensures you’re still experiencing authentic Alaskan landscapes and activities, even if Denali itself must be skipped this trip.

Fires and trip to Denali from Fairbanks- alternate plans?

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